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Interview Transcript
Deepak Chopra: Well over the years, I’ve looked at the biological molecules of aging. And these include things like blood pressure, bone density, body temperature regulation, skin thickness, the number of wrinkles, immune function, sex hormone levels, hearing, vision. There are a number of ways you can measure what we call biological aging. Then there’s something called “chronological aging”, which is from the date you were born. And then there’s “psychological age,” which is how young you feel psychologically.
And there is more and more data that the biological molecules of aging are more under the influence of psychological factors than the chronological age that we usually associate with. Of course there are other things that influence our aging process, including how we perceive time. If you’re constantly running out of time, then your biological clock speeds up, and you do run out of time with a heart attack or something like that. The quality of our self-esteem determines how we age. Our perception of our bodies as fields of energy or fields of matter influence how our body ages.
And there are many other things – the quality of our rest, as in sleep; the quality of our ability to manage stress through meditation; physical exercise; mind-body coordination through techniques such as yoga, and breathing, and martial arts; the quality of our relationships – whether we have toxic relationships or healing relationships; the quality of our emotions – toxic emotions or emotions that foster connectivity. These all influence how we age.
Aging is subject to revision, so you’re going to have somebody who is chronologically 80, but could be biologically 65. On the other hand you could have someone who is chronologically 25, but they are physically and mentally burnt out. And biologically they could be much older.
The fastest growing segment of the population in the world right now is over the age of 90, and in some cases over the age of 100 in some countries. So people are living longer. And even though much of it is attributed to modern medicine, it’s not. It’s lifestyle. It’s nutrition. It’s the quality of exercise, the ability to manage stress, and some of the factors that I mentioned.
I think everybody plays a role in their own aging. Some people accelerate it. Some people slow it down. Some people manage to reverse it. It all depends on how much you are invested in the hypnosis of our social condition. So if you believe that at a certain age you have to die and you become dysfunctional, then you will.
Recorded on: Aug 17, 2007
Deepak Chopra on Aging
Author / Co-Founder, The Chopra Center
What is the gap between how old you are, and how old you think you are?
November 9, 2007 | In Health & Medicine, Science & Tech
Discuss
Ryne Cee on January 17, 2008, 6:09 PM
While Dr. Chopra is a compelling speaker, and certainly exceptionally knowledgeable about matters of health, the drawing of metaphysical terms and concepts into the definition of health can be a dangerous one. It is important to define such nebulous ideas as “toxic relationships” and “toxic emotions.” I believe that when you dissect such terms it often comes down to some variable such as stress which has, as pointed out by Dr. Chopra, an influence in your general health. Instead of putting focus on these metaphysical ideas, let us focus on those aspects of aging which have shown clinical correlates to improving health such as improved exercise habits (roughly 30 minutes of moderately intense activity three to four times a week, managing stress, improved diet, and more regular contact with primary care physicians for the maintenance of health.
Timothy Monicken on January 18, 2008, 11:43 PM
Dr. Deepak Chopra: I Really Like You! I wish I had you reminding me of my own choices for empowerment on a daily basis! Too often I catch myself thinking negatively about the many legacy health-maintenance issues that have followed me these many years since I contracted cancer back in 1989. Needless to say, I won that battle, but suffered some losses in the process. Still, I’m not without hope of regaining much of that loss through meditation, nutrition, and generally exercising discipline in my lifestyle choices. And I know I am happier in doing this than if I simply felt sorry for myself for the many challenges that confront me daily… and gave up the good fight to stay my ground… who knows, with the right attitude I may even see my grandchildren, NYB, graduate. One thing is for sure, we in western society tend to somatically numb and we under-rate the quiet time we have available to us each day…
Linda Kajma on February 8, 2008, 12:44 PM
I think it should be noted that while having regular contact with primary care physicians could be helpful, it is important to be on the same page with your physician.
I agree with Dr. Deepak Chopra. I, also, take responsibility for my health. While I am going toward a more holisitic approach, I do keep my physicians aware of my activities. I am fortunate that I have physicians who recognize the benefits of this approach.
I have fibromyalgia and the majority of my relief has come from alternative approaches. However, the most important one is the fact that “I have a positive attitude and believe in the supportive power around me.” I do not buy into the “take a pill for everything” attitude and am currently reducing the amount of medication that I need to take; primarily due to my tuning into who I am, what I see for myself, and using the energy available to me. I use reflexology in place of pain medication. This also has other benefits; relaxation, a time of peace, comfort, stress relief, etc. Moving toward a holistic approach includes diet, exercise and reviewing the causes of your ailments; stress, atmosphere, etc. and adjusting for the same.
I am not saying that there is no need for medication, but it should be used sparingly and with the approach of “what alternatives are available.” These alternatives can include yoga, meditation, reflexology, etc. all of which help you address your body and mind.
Kissmy Ass on March 13, 2008, 1:07 PM
Toxic emotions? Fields of energy? Perception of time?
Bigthink is going to require some editorial intervention if this site is hoping to garnish some sense of respectability.
The open exchange of ideas is not equivalent to the equal weight of ideas. And democracy does not equal truth (or in scientific speak – confidence). So, an 80% agreement in the ideas of this person is not the same as being 80% right. It means that 80% of the people that voted are willing to believe in things for which there is no supporting evidence (at best) or contradictory evidence (at worst).
Help us.
Edward C on March 18, 2008, 8:53 PM
Deepak Chopra – I agree with you on this one. Most people won’t understand or value what Mr. Chopra is saying unless they exercise daily, meditate, eat REAL food, keep a daily journal for reflection, enjoy living life, etc…
The two DNA sequences changes are also very interesting…
Please research Li Ching-Yuen ;-)
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